N-METHYLSEROTONIN AND RELATED SUBSTANCES FOR USE IN TREATING / LESSENING THE OCCURRENCE OF HOT FLASHES RELATED TO MENOPAUSE

摘要

Zanthoxylum piperitum (commonly known as Japanese pepper) seeds, including its mature seeds, contain the NMS precursor N-methylserotonin S-O-6-glucoside (NMS-glucoside) present in sufficient concentration and are metabolized with sufficient efficiency so as to provide an effective amount of NMS for use in amelioration of menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes/flushes. The Japanese pepper seeds or Japanese pepper seed extracts can also be used to enrich other sources of NMS or NMS precursors in order to provide a nutraceutical or food supplement for controlling hot flashes. This invention relates to the marketing of nutraceuticals and food supplements containing these ingredients. Target customers include perimenopausal women, menopausal women and post menopausal women who wish to reduce the risk of experiencing hot flashes.